Students urged to build export skills through proposed campus hubs
A proposal by the National Association of Nigerian Students to establish export hubs in tertiary institutions is being presented as a way to help graduates create businesses serving international markets. The initiative would connect students with practical training, experienced exporters, regulators and potential buyers.
The National Association of Nigerian Students has proposed a nationwide programme to teach students export trade and entrepreneurship, including the creation of export hubs across tertiary institutions in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The proposal was presented during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s executive director and chief executive, Nonye Ayeni, according to an opinion article published by Premium Times. The proposed hubs would give students practical knowledge of export documentation, product development, certification, packaging, branding, international payments, logistics and market intelligence.
They could also connect student entrepreneurs with exporters, financial institutions, regulators and international buyers. The initiative is based on the argument that graduates can create businesses serving customers abroad rather than relying only on salaried employment. Skills in food science, fashion, software development, engineering, agriculture, accounting, logistics, marketing and business administration could all contribute to different stages of the export chain.
The article cites National Bureau of Statistics data showing that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 24 were not in employment, education or training in the first quarter of 2024. It also says Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings reached approximately $6.1bn in 2025, compared with $5.46bn in 2024, while products reached 120 countries. Existing NEPC programmes could provide a foundation for the proposal.
These include an Export Skills Acquisition Centre established with LeLook Academy and an Export Mentorship Programme. The council also organised 728 capacity-building programmes across the states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2025, benefiting more than 10,000 participants, according to the article. The proposed hubs would need to reflect regional strengths rather than follow one uniform model.
The article suggests areas including leather, grains, textiles, technology, processed foods and creative industries as possible regional focuses.
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